Unexpected Echinococcus multilocularis infections in shepherd dogs and wolves in south-western Italian Alps: A new endemic area?

• Main Authors: Alessandro Massolo, Davide Valli, Marion Wassermann, Serena Cavallero, Stefano D'Amelio, Alberto Meriggi, Elisa Torretta, Matteo Serafini, Adriano Casulli, Laura Zambon, Chiara Benedetta Boni, Marika Ori, Thomas Romig, Fabio Macchioni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2018-12-01
• Series: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213224418300555

The European distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis has been reported to be expanding east and north, whereas its southern limits are deemed stable. During a study on Echinococcus granulosus s.l. infections in wolves and dogs in the Italian Maritime Alps, we unexpectedly detected the presence of E. multilocularis eggs in four fecal samples from at least two shepherd dogs, and in five wolf fecal samples. This finding, in an area about 130 km south of the southernmost E. multilocularis report in the Alps, may suggest a rapid expansion southward. While infections in foxes are currently being investigated, these data seem to indicate the potential for a new E. multilocularis endemic area. If this will be confirmed, the implementation of surveillance programs in wild and domestic canids and preventative measures will become a priority. Keywords: Echinococcus multilocularis, Italy, Parasite range expansion, Canis lupus, Domestic dog, Alveolar echinococcosis